Modern manufacturing is seeing tremendous gains in technological\ninnovation, combining the old and the new, allowing manufacturers to benefit\nfrom both worlds \u2013 one machine, two processes \u2013 additive and subtractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A recent article in advancedmanufacturing.org<\/a>,\nby Karen Haywood Queen, Contributing\nEditor<\/em>, states, \u201cAdditive machines\ncan print more intricate, complicated and exotic shapes. But compared with\nsubtractive processes, additive offers less final precision. To achieve\nrequired specifications, many manufacturers already use a combined additive and\nsubtractive approach: an additive machine creates a complicated part and then\nthe part is moved to another machine for final milling or turning.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A hybrid approach provides the benefits of both technologies from\none machine. \u201cMost additive processes\nprint near-net shape. You can get in the ballpark, but they will not get you\nthat perfect shape every time. With a hybrid approach, you can stop at any\npoint and clean up,\u201d says <\/em>Mark Norfolk, Fabrisonic CEO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One machine for both additive and subtractive manufacturing translates\ninto one operator that mills the inside and outside of the part. This hybrid process\nis not an option with a separate finishing machine that completes only milling\nof the part\u2019s exterior, according to Norfolk. When printing a part via 3D, you\ncan always go back and mill the part exterior on another machine, but this is\nnot possible for the internal features. However, with hybrid manufacturing, one\nmachine provides both, offering cleanup to interior features as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When a machine has these multiple features, it is more complex,\nthus more challenging to maintain. However, the advantages supersede any infrequent\ndifficulties. These machines are ideal for jobs with significant volumes that\nhave an increase in applications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These advantages translate in the milling process. A hybrid\nmachine allows for stopping at any point, refining the dimensions for precise\nmeasurements. Moreover, it provides for\na smooth glass-like surface finish after 3D printing, which can often result in\na rough surface. \u201cThe better the surface\nfinish, the easier it to pump liquid through the cooling channel<\/em>,\u201d said\nNorfolk regarding the additive manufacturing of pipes with complex channels for\ncooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n